During the weekend in Budapest, Hamilton was harsh on both his performance and the team’s. After a poor qualifying, he called his effort “absolutely useless” and suggested that Ferrari should look for another driver. On Sunday, with no improvements on track, he kept a discouraged tone, stating that “there are a lot of things going on in the background that aren’t great,” without clarifying whether he meant personal or professional issues. He even cast doubt on his presence at the next Dutch GP: “Hopefully I can come back.”

Frustration, pressure and an uncertain future

The Briton’s behavior after the race at Hungaroring was unusually distant. He answered in monosyllables, and when asked about his attitude, he replied bluntly: “I have nothing more to say.” Although he reiterated that he still loves racing and the team, his words conveyed a sense of disconnect that contrasts with his usual commitment. The summer break arrives at a crucial time, both for Ferrari and for a Hamilton who, for the first time, seems visibly affected by the lack of competitiveness.

From the Italian team, team principal Fred Vasseur tried to downplay the situation, attributing Hamilton’s mood to a particularly tough weekend. “He’s frustrated, but not demotivated,” he said. Also, his former boss at Mercedes, Toto Wolff, offered an understanding view: “Lewis has been emotionally transparent since he was young. He’s been very hard on himself, but we’ve seen him bounce back before.” Despite the support, the paddock remains on alert as it awaits what the seven-time champion will decide after the summer break.

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Team principals agreed that the core issue doesn’t lie in strategy, but in the inability to overtake due to the current size of the cars and the narrow street layout. Not even the absence of a safety car or a red flag—which usually shakes up races like these—was enough to change the order. Even attempts to create space for pit stops resulted in slow, uncompetitive maneuvers, causing frustration among both drivers and spectators.

A reform that can’t wait any longer

Christian Horner, head of the Red Bull team, was among the first to point out that the issue is fundamental: “The layout doesn’t allow for overtaking. The cars are too big and the track is too narrow,” he said, adding that while Monaco is a historic circuit, it needs at least one area where genuine overtaking can be attempted. Andrea Stella, team principal at McLaren, echoed this sentiment, stating that “the main obstacle remains the inability to pass,” and that changing pit stop strategy doesn’t fix the root problem.

Although the Automobile Club of Monaco insists that changing the layout is virtually impossible, the general opinion among teams is gaining momentum. Toto Wolff, from Mercedes, even proposed opening discussions with organizers on new rules or alternatives, such as enforcing a minimum lap time to prevent deliberate slowdowns. Meanwhile, drivers like Norris warned about the risk of races in Monte Carlo being decided by luck, rather than true talent or strategic thinking. The pressure for Monaco to evolve, for the first time in decades, seems to be gaining traction.

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The proposals, which will be evaluated at the next FIA General Assembly in June, have generated debate, as some sources quoted by the ‘BBC’ consider that these modifications could be aimed at consolidating power and centralizing control within the organization.

Stricter ethical requirements for candidates

Among the proposed measures, the introduction of stricter ethical requirements for presidential candidates and their teams stands out. According to the document, “there should be nothing in the candidates’ background that calls into question their professional integrity.” This criterion would be assessed by the FIA ethics committee, which would be responsible for validating the suitability of the applicants.

The FIA code of ethics already stipulates that candidates must avoid conflicts of interest and declare any situation that could lead to them. However, Ben Sulayem proposes that the members of the ethics committee should have a mandate linked to that of the president, which, according to sources quoted by the ‘BBC’, could hinder the independence of this body.

Changes to the FIA World Council and Senate

Another proposal includes changes to the composition of the World Council and the Senate, key decision-making bodies of the FIA. These modifications would affect the distribution of nationalities of members and eliminate the oversight of directly appointed positions, which could alter the balance of power within the organization.

In addition, these measures seek to adjust the structure of the governing bodies to align them with the priorities of the incumbent president, which has raised concerns among some sectors of the FIA.

Bringing forward the deadlines for nominations

Ben Sulayem has also proposed bringing forward the deadline for nominations, which is currently 21 days before the elections, to 49 days. According to the document, this measure would allow the ethics committee more time to validate the suitability of candidates and their teams.

These proposals have been made public a few days after Carlos Sainz, former rally driver and father of Formula 1 driver Carlos Sainz Jr, announced that he is evaluating the possibility of running as a candidate for the FIA presidency. However, according to ‘MARCA’, Ben Sulayem’s intentions to implement these changes precede Sainz’s possible candidacy.

An evolving electoral landscape

With FIA elections scheduled for December 2025, Ben Sulayem’s proposals could have a significant impact on the electoral process and the structure of the organization. The June General Assembly will be key in determining whether these measures are implemented and how they will affect the future of the FIA.

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While Red Bull has maintained its presence in the 2025 season with a win by Max Verstappen in Suzuka, dominance has shifted to McLaren, with five victories between Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris. Pressure has mounted not only due to modest results, but also because of internal rifts dating back to 2023, when Horner was investigated for alleged misconduct. Although he was cleared and backed by Thai shareholders, rumors of his replacement—with names like Franz Tost and Oliver Oakes in the mix—have continued to circulate.

A decision that could be made in Imola

According to Österreich, Horner’s future could hinge directly on Red Bull’s performance in Imola, where a new set of technical updates will be introduced to the RB21. Although the team has worked on gradual improvements since Saudi Arabia, no revolutionary package is expected—only targeted tweaks to the suspension and floor of the car. A lack of solid results could lead Chalerm Yoovidhya, the team’s main shareholder, to withdraw his support for the British director, despite his historic tenure that includes over 120 wins and multiple world titles.

Nevertheless, other specialized outlets like GPFans and Planet F1 deny the existence of a short-term plan to replace Horner. They claim his contract runs through 2030 and that, despite being third in both championships, Red Bull is not facing a structural crisis. Moreover, Horner not only leads the F1 team but also heads key areas like Red Bull Advanced Engineering and Powertrains, both crucial for the joint project with Ford for 2026. In this atmosphere of tension and uncertainty, Imola could become a turning point for the immediate future of the longest-serving team principal in the sport.

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Alongside this reflection on his future, Sainz remains active in competition, preparing for upcoming World Rally-Raid Championship events and working on the technical development of his car. He hasn’t ruled out participating in the next Dakar, which could mark his final race before moving into leadership. His potential team could include Malcom Wilson as sporting vice-president, a highly respected figure in the rally scene. “I want to give back to the sport everything it has given me,” said the three-time Dakar winner.

A new chapter and a challenging context for the FIA

If his candidacy goes ahead, Carlos Sainz would face not only the challenge of leading the world’s top motorsport body but also a Formula 1 landscape facing a revenue decline. According to Liberty Media, the premier motorsport series generated $403 million in revenue in the first quarter of 2025, 27% less than during the same period in the previous year. Net income was a negative $28 million, compared to a $136 million profit in 2024. This drop is partly due to one fewer race being held this year.

In this scenario, the idea of a more empathetic FIA toward drivers, teams, and organizers becomes even more relevant. Sainz proposes a management style that prioritizes dialogue and technical knowledge drawn from on-track experience, with leadership rooted in active listening and a commitment to the sustainable development of motorsport. Although the path to the presidency is still unfolding, his presence generates attention for combining sporting prestige, a forward-looking vision, and a clear desire to transform the institution from within.

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At the same time, Alpine has decided to replace driver Jack Doohan with Argentine Franco Colapinto for the next five races, starting with the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix. Doohan, who failed to score points in the first six races of the season and had two retirements, will remain as the team’s reserve driver. Colapinto, 21, had already competed in nine races for Williams in 2024 and joins Alpine on a multi-year contract. This move is part of a driver rotation strategy Alpine will implement to evaluate its lineup for the future.

Briatore’s return and the bet on Colapinto

Flavio Briatore’s return to a management role in Formula 1 marks an unexpected turn in the sport’s recent history. After being banned for life in 2009 due to the “Crashgate” scandal, Briatore succeeded in overturning the sanction in 2010, although he remained away from F1 until joining Alpine as executive advisor in 2024. His appointment as team director in 2025 has sparked mixed reactions but also shows Alpine’s intention to regain the leadership and experience that Briatore brought in his previous tenures with Benetton and Renault.

The addition of Franco Colapinto as a main driver represents a bet on young and promising talent. Colapinto, who had already shown his potential with Williams in 2024, will now have the chance to establish himself in the top category of motorsport. Alpine will assess his performance over these five races to decide on his future with the team. This rotation strategy aims to optimize the team’s performance and find the ideal driver combination to climb the constructors’ championship standings.

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However, Cadillac is not the only one interested. At least two other teams are reportedly vying for the Mexican’s services, setting up a competitive scenario for his future. Meanwhile, Pérez is taking his time: he stated that he wants “at least six months” to evaluate all options, and he is expected to make a final decision in May. His return, which seemed unlikely after his late departure from Red Bull, is now a real possibility.

Cadillac goes all in and faces competition to sign Pérez

Cadillac, preparing its entry into Formula 1 in 2026, sees Checo Pérez as an attractive option due to his vast experience: with 281 Grand Prix entries and six wins, the Mexican could bring stability to a new and ambitious project. The team principal, Graeme Lowdon, has emphasized the importance of having top-tier drivers from the start, though he acknowledges that they have only now entered the driver market. According to him, there are “half a dozen, if not more” candidates who could take a seat, making the final decision even more difficult.

The team’s official launch will take place this Saturday night in Miami, during the Grand Prix, although no driver announcements are expected yet. While there has been speculation about including an American driver due to the team’s local identity, Lowdon has been cautious: he stated that the selection will be based on “merit” and not necessarily on nationality. With a list of talented and available drivers, Pérez’s arrival will depend on how the market shifts, but Cadillac is openly interested in signing a driver with weight in the category.

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Although it was initially reported that Robyn had left the position by mutual agreement to pursue new opportunities, it has now emerged that she was forced to resign following disagreements with President Mohammed Ben Sulayem. The former executive expressed particular concern over the exclusion of key stakeholders from decision-making processes, which she believes “undermines the foundations of a strong organization.” Robyn also expressed her sadness over recent developments, stating that they jeopardize both the credibility and effectiveness of the FIA.

Internal crisis and key departures

Robyn’s statements are not an isolated event, but part of a wave of resignations and dismissals that have shaken the FIA over the past year. Following her departure, Bertrand Badre, head of the audit committee, and member Tom Purves also left, in addition to the dismissal of compliance officer Paolo Basarri, who had been investigating the alleged interference by Ben Sulayem in races during 2023. This series of exits has revealed a deepening internal fracture and has placed the management of the current president under scrutiny, as his influence and leadership style are increasingly questioned by former collaborators.

The controversy deepens as Ben Sulayem seeks to lead a proposal to change the 2026 engine regulations in Formula 1 ahead of schedule, aiming to return to naturally aspirated V10 engines. While Ferrari and Red Bull support the initiative, Mercedes, Honda, and Audi are strongly opposed. The political undertone of this proposal also raises questions, particularly due to the influence of figures like Bernie Ecclestone and Christian Horner in the president’s strategy. All of this comes just months before the FIA presidential elections, where, despite the growing discontent, no clear challenger has emerged to dispute Ben Sulayem’s power—who, according to some sources, maintains strong support through financial incentives offered to member federations.

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Some of the most notable names that have partnered with Verstappen include Daniel Ricciardo, who was his teammate from 2016 to 2018, and Sergio Pérez, who had the longest association with the Dutchman from 2021 to 2024. Other drivers like Pierre Gasly and Alex Albon also formed part of the team, although their stays were shorter due to performance differences with the world champion.

A HISTORY OF CHANGES

The rotation of teammates at Red Bull Racing has been constant and strategic. From Carlos Sainz at Toro Rosso to Yuki Tsunoda in 2025, each driver has faced the challenge of competing alongside one of the most outstanding talents in Formula 1. While some, like Ricciardo, managed to stand out and maintain a balanced relationship with Verstappen, others, like Lawson, had brief stints due to struggles to adapt to the team’s demanding environment.

This dynamic not only reflects Red Bull Racing’s pursuit of excellence but also the pressure that comes with being part of a leading team. With Verstappen established as a dominant figure in the sport, his teammates face the challenge of matching a driver who has redefined the standards of success in Formula 1 and a car built for him.

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